The vibrant bustling south coast town of Poole boasts a year-round programme of events, many of which take place in and around the historic Quay.
Now in its third year Light Up Poole, the town’s innovative digital light art festival, returns in February 20th- 22nd – to celebrate Poole’s diverse landscape with light and sound installations which will illuminate the historic old town , urban high street and the waterfront at the Quay.
The hugely popular Dream Machines evenings, sponsored by Coles Miller Solicitors , kick off on Tuesday 7th April until late September. Motor bike enthusiasts gather weekly on Poole Quay to network, socialise and show off their top of the range machines. This year there are four themed evenings – Japanese Racing Bikes, Italian Bikes & Scooters, American Muscle and Brit Bike Revival and all comers can enjoy special bike night menus at local bars, restaurants and food kiosks.
For a slightly more tranquil experience, Mini Steam on The Quay, is a delightful day out for all the family on May 2nd. The event has everything to keep both young and more mature steam enthusiasts happy! Some of the most beautiful and detailed mini steam and traction engines are on display and running all day and there are even opportunities to ride on certain special engines.
Plans are in place to commemorate VE Day on May 8th with the Society of Poole and details will be published in due course.
Cllr Mark Howell, Deputy Leader of BCP Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration & Culture
BCP Council, says,
“Poole Quay’s heritage and waterfront make it a wonderful place to stage events appealing to residents and visitors alike. I am delighted that this Summer the Quay will be hosting such diverse activities as social nights for motor bike and car enthusiasts; a boat show; festivals celebrating folk music, vintage fashion, seafood and mini steam engines; and fireworks.”
Activity in June includes the sixth Poole Harbour Boat Show (12th -14th) featuring over 200 exhibitors on land and water, live music and fireworks. On 20th June the annual Harry Paye Pirate Day returns with parades, dressing-up, hourly cannon fire and live music. Meanwhile on Saturday 27th June Folk on The Quay comes to town for its eight year, an eclectic festival featuring a varied line up of bands on outdoor stages, a ceilidh and teams of top morris dancers!
As temperatures rise Poole Goes Vintage will rock the quay on Sunday 12th July. All day live music from the 1940s and 1950s will serenade the crowds as they shop for vintage fashion and accessories from the many traders, rubbing shoulders with the proud owners of a fleet of shining vintage vehicles. Continuing with the motoring theme, Quay for my Car, sponsored by Poole Pirates Speedway, returns every Friday night in July and August. Each occasion celebrates a classic model from Land Rover Defenders to Lotus 7’s, Minis to Audi Sports.
Summer in Poole would not be complete without the Fireworks displays which form the finale of Rockley’s Summer Spectacular every Thursday between July 23rd and August 27th. Summer outdoor entertainment at its best, this free event brings a party atmosphere to the Quay with live music and family fun. Of course the Fireworks make a spectacular return on November 5th. .
For food enthusiasts the inaugural Poole Seafood Festival will take place over the weekend of September 19th and 20th, with informative and entertainin cooking demonstrations and stalls laden with delicious locally sourced produce.
Poole, like its close neighbours Christchurch and Bournemouth, is an eventful town and offers a variety of activities away from the Quay. These include The Upton House Concerts and Food & Drink Festival, The Thai Festival, Sand Fest and Sand Polo 2020, The International Beer and Bluegrass and Inside Out Arts Festivals.
